A wish sparks excitement...
Little Irie has been a fighter since the day he came into this world with a complex respiratory disorder. He and his twin brother Zion were both born prematurely, and Irie’ s lungs were not fully developed— making it impossible for him to breathe on his own. He clung to life through surgeries, with a tracheostomy placement and ventilator to breathe and a g-tube to eat. His mom, Ivy, was often not even able to hold him; his tiny body surrounded by machines and enmeshed in wires and tubes.
His prognosis was grim, but each day, Irie got a little stronger. He surpassed milestone after milestone until he was finally able to leave the NICU and come home. Ivy took on roles she never thought she’ d be doing as a mother, becoming an expert at trach changes, therapies and treatments. But as she watched Irie’ s personality finally start to emerge, playing with his brother and showing off that adorable smile, she felt the deepest sense of joy and pride in how far he has come. t
Now, at four years old, Irie was a giggling ball of energy when he met with Make- A-Wish volunteers at his home in Waynesboro, Pa.“ He must know good things are coming his way,” Ivy said.
Irie’ s shopping spree wish day was full of surprises.
“ We started our adventure with the most beautiful limousine ride through the country, and Irie was absolutely glowing the whole time,” said Ivy.
The first stop was Target, where they rolled out the red carpet for Irie. He was given his very own nametag and a personal shopper who helped him pick out all kinds of toys, especially Sesame Street— his favorite! Then, they went to Carter’ s to stock up on big boy clothes.“ The young ladies there were so gentle, kind and patient with us,” said Ivy.
The day ended at Olive Garden, where the love was unmatched. Local businesses had filled the restaurant with giant gift baskets, gift cards and an entire wall of handwritten messages from the community.“ The last four years have been incredibly hard,” said Ivy,“ But moments like this remind me that we are held, supported and surrounded by love.”